Buddha is a scientist, His Holiness the Dalai Lama tells Japanese to study his teachings

His Holiness the Dalai Lama presenting a statue of Buddha to Ven Kouzui Suguri, President of the Suchin University, after giving a talk on Tibetan Buddhism at the university in Kyoto, Japan, on 10 April 2014/Photo/Office of Tibet

KYOTO, Japan: On the fourth day of visit to Japan today, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Shuchin University in Kyoto in central Japan.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama was welcomed by Ven. Kouzui Suguri, President of the University and Chief Abbot of Nakayama Dera and Ven Chijun Suga, President of Dosokai and Chief Administrator (No.2) of Zentsuji Temple.

Speaking to a packed auditorium at the university, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke about the evolution of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly about its esoteric form, known as Mikkyo in Japanese. The Shuchin University follows Shingon Buddhism, a tantric Buddhist doctrine expounded by Kobo Daishi, a Japanese monk, civil servant, scholar, poet and artist around 7th century.

His Holiness explained in detail how Tibetan people’s interest in Buddhism started when the two queens of country’s 33rd king Songsten Gampo during the 7th century, one from Nepal and another from China, brought two statues of the Buddha to Tibet. Later, Buddhism flourished in Tibet during king Trisong Deutsen after he invited masters of ancient India’s Nalanda tradition from India such as Shantarakshita, Kamalashila and Guru Rinpoche. Shantarakshita introduced the esoteric Buddhism in its purest form in Tibet.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a talk on Tibetan Buddhism at Shuchin University in Kyoto, Japan, on 10 April 2014

His Holiness said since the real nature of mind of is illuminating, ignorance as the real source of negative afflictions can be eliminated through training the mind. The key lies in understanding the concept of dependent arising that every phenomena or matters do not exist on its own, he said, adding, quantum physics is a means to study empty nature of every phenomena and many scientists are showing interest in studying the concept of dependent arising.

His Holiness said esoteric Buddhism first evolved following the preaching of the four noble truths by Buddha. Describing the Buddha as a teacher, philosopher and scientist, His Holiness said it is important to study his teachings. Presenting a statue of Buddha to the president to the university, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said: “I always mention that Buddha was a teacher, philosopher and scientist about more than 2,500 years ago.”

Tomorrow, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will participate in a two-day dialogue between modern scientists and Buddhist science on a theme titled “Mapping the Mind” in Kyoto. The event is being jointly organised by the Koko Research Center of Kyoto University and the Mind and Life Institute.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a meeting with officials after giving a talk on Tibetan Buddhism at Shuchin University in Kyoto, Japan, on 10 April 2014